The National Border Patrol Council does not condone corruption by Border Patrol agents nor the abuse of illegal aliens. Those who commit these crimes do not deserve to have the honor of being U.S. Border Patrol agents.

In typical Customs and Border Protection fashion however, they are throwing numbers at a problem by calling for the hiring of 350 Internal Affairs investigators. The National Border Patrol Council sees this recommendation as premature and calls on CBP to review its internal investigation capabilities. Overlapping areas of responsibility need to be eliminated, integrity issues amongst investigators eliminated, and clear, concise guidance given to all employees on how investigations will be used.

CBP needs to respond to real problems, not ones perceived or that are part of an agenda. Hard facts will prove that the U.S. Border Patrol is a model law enforcement agency. Instances of corruption are rare and Border Patrol agents use lethal force seven times less than the national average.

The National Border Patrol Council opposes the recommendations that would restrict the ability of Border Patrol agents to use lethal force to defend themselves. This Union will use every means at its disposal to counter policies that place Border Patrol agents in further danger.

Simply hiring more investigators will not solve the problem of corruption and abuse within CBP. The institutional culture within DHS OIG, CBP OIA, and the many other managerial investigative units needs to dramatically change. These groups cannot operate outside of the law and contractual limits and expect to be effective.